Eight Belles – Grade II

CD                       Race #7           7f                 Dirt               Graded Stake

Purse $700.00  For Fillies Three Years Old.

I am trying some new formats in my writing style and would welcome any feedback. Normally I would write an opinion-based summary of a horse’s individual ability and chances in the race, sometimes this can be eerily accurate, sometimes not so much. I have taken feedback from some that do not like to hear opinion pieces and prefer factually based write ups. To this end I am experimenting with a few different approaches. I appreciate your patience and any feedback you would like to give as to how I report going forward.

On to this race, which is a typically tough race to call, lots of latent ability mixed with more obvious credentials. Good luck to all the competitors

1 – Ontario Pharmacist

Owner: Williams9 • Jockey: Dominguez Jo

Record: 10‑2‑2‑0 • Best recent SRF: 94 • Style: Pace‑pressing

Overview

A large, physically imposing filly with a strong juvenile résumé and consistent graded‑stakes exposure. She has been facing elite company since last autumn and typically races on or near the pace.

Form Summary

Her 2026 campaign has been honest but winless, with three straight G2 tries at 8.5f–9f. Best effort came in the Alexandra (G2), where she set the pace and held well. She has flattened late in her last two.

Workouts

Two sharp 7f drills at CD and KEE signal strong fitness.

Distance / Surface

Cutting back to 7f should help her finish better.

Trip Projection

Forwardly placed, likely in the first flight.

Assessment

Classy and consistent; the cutback is a positive. A placing chance if the pace is moderate.

2 – Pointed Out

Owner: D J C Racing Stables • Jockey: Centeno D E

Record: 11‑3‑0‑3 • Best recent SRF: 92 • Style: Mid‑pack sprinter/miler

Overview

A capable filly with a mix of sprint and route attempts. She has shown flashes of ability but is inconsistent at the graded level.

Form Summary

Her win this year came in a 6f allowance at GP. She was outclassed in the Alexandra (G2) and ran a respectable 3rd in a 6f stakes at TP. Her best races come when she sits mid‑pack and finishes late.

Workouts

Older works show solid speed; nothing recent but fitness seems fine.

Distance / Surface

7f is within her wheelhouse, though she has not proven she can finish strongly at this level.

Trip Projection

Should settle mid‑pack or slightly back.

Assessment

Honest filly but needs a career‑best to threaten in a G2 of this depth.

3 – Cold At Knight

Owner: Our Athletes • Jockey: Curtis B

Record: 6‑3‑0‑0 • Best recent SRF: 94 • Style: Speed / pace‑pressing

Overview

Lightly raced and improving. Has shown strong sprint‑to‑middle‑distance form and enters off a sharp stakes win.

Form Summary

Her last three starts:

Win in a 7f stakes at TAM (94 SRF), 2nd in a TP allowance. Win in a TAM N1X

She has tactical speed and finishes well.

Workouts

Consistent, sharp works at CD and KEE indicate she’s thriving.

Distance / Surface

7f is ideal based on her recent wins.

Trip Projection

Should sit just off the leaders and pounce.

Assessment

A rising filly with strong recent form; a legitimate contender.

4 – Breathtaking

Owner: Big Guns Stables • Jockey: Smith M E

Record: 7‑3‑0‑2 • Best recent SRF: 94 • Style: Tactical

Overview

Versatile filly with success on both turf and dirt. Has been competitive in graded routes this year.

Form Summary

3rd in the SA Oaks (G2) and 5th in the Santa Ysabel (G3). Won the Las Virgenes earlier in the year. She tends to sit close and grind.

Workouts

Very sharp CD works, including a 5f bullet.

Distance / Surface

Cutting back from 8.5f to 7f is a question — she’s more of a route grinder.

Trip Projection

Likely to sit mid‑pack and try to out finish.

Assessment

Classy but may find 7f a touch sharp. Fringe contender.

5 – Noemi

Owner: Maxmillion Farm • Jockey: Bridgmohan S X

Record: 6‑2‑1‑2 • Best recent SRF: 95 • Style: Tactical speed

Overview

A steadily improving filly with strong 7f form and a recent G2 placing.

Form Summary

3rd in the Beaumont (G2) at 7f (95 SRF), Win in the Gasparilla at TAM, Consistent juvenile form

She has shown she belongs at this level.

Workouts

Excellent recent 6f works at CD and KEE.

Distance / Surface

7f is her best trip.

Trip Projection

Should sit just behind the leaders.

Assessment

Reliable, improving, and well‑suited to the distance. A major player.

6 – Mexican Pride

Owner: Mb Stables • Jockey: Santana R Jr

Record: 6‑4‑1‑0 • Best recent SRF: 96 • Style: Speed

Overview

A fast, consistent filly who has won four of six and enters off a strong 6f stakes win.

Form Summary

Her last three:

Win in a 6f stakes at TP (95 SRF), Win in a SA allowance, 2nd in a SA N2X

She has never run beyond 6f, making 7f a new test.

Workouts

Solid, steady works at AQU.

Distance / Surface

7f is a stretch but her speed is dangerous.

Trip Projection

One of the likely pacesetters.

Assessment

If she handles the extra furlong, she’s a win threat. If not, she fades late.

7 – Tariff Terror

Owner: Pan Farms • Jockey: Dettori L

Record: 5‑2‑1‑0 • Best recent SRF: 94 • Style: Tactical

Overview

A lightly raced filly with strong Ontario‑bred stakes form and a good 7f record.

Form Summary

4th in the Beaumont (G2) after contesting the pace, 4th in the Forward Gal (G3), Strong juvenile wins at WO

She’s consistent but hasn’t broken through at graded level.

Workouts

Good CD and KEE works.

Distance / Surface

7f is ideal.

Trip Projection

Forward but not on the lead.

Assessment

Honest and capable; needs improvement to win but can hit the board.

8 – Face Plant

Owner: TwinTowersRacing • Jockey: Hernandez R M

Record: 9‑1‑5‑0 • Best recent SRF: 93 • Style: Closer

Overview

A deep closer who has repeatedly run well in big fields but struggles to win.

Form Summary

Her 2yo season included a 2nd in the BC Juvenile Fillies (G1).

This year:

2nd in FG allowance, 12th in Martha Washington, she needs pace and a clean trip.

Workouts

Strong 6f work at AQU.

Distance / Surface

7f is fine but she needs a meltdown.

Trip Projection

Drops back early, one run late.

Assessment

Talented but pace‑dependent. A longshot with upside if the race collapses.

9 – Darkest Hour

Owner: Pan Farms • Jockey: Bejarano R

Record: 6‑2‑0‑1 • Best recent Fig: 96 • Style: Stalker

Overview

A filly with flashes of high ability, including a strong 7f win at GP this year.

Form Summary

Win in GP N3X at 7f (91 SRF), Poor effort in Alexandra (G2), Juvenile G3 win at DMR

She’s inconsistent but dangerous on her day.

Workouts

Good turf and dirt works at GP and KEE.

Distance / Surface

7f is her best distance.

Trip Projection

Mid‑pack, looking to pounce.

Assessment

A sleeper. If she fires her best, she’s competitive.

10 – Zifi

Owner: Mb Stables • Jockey: Velazquez J R

Record: 10‑3‑1‑2 • Best recent SRF: 94 • Style: Tactical

Overview

A high‑earning filly with strong State Bred form and consistent graded efforts.

Form Summary

3rd in the Fantasy (G2), 3rd in the Davona Dale (G2), 7th in Martha Washington

She’s been knocking on the door at this level.

Workouts

Steady 6f works at AQU.

Distance / Surface

7f is fine; she’s versatile.

Trip Projection

Should sit 3–5 lengths off the pace.

Assessment

Reliable and classy; a top‑four contender.

11 – Acapulco Gray

Owner: Maxmillion Farm • Jockey: Esquivel E

Record: 7‑3‑1‑1 • Best recent SRF: 96 • Style: Speed / stalker

Overview

A rapidly improving filly with two wins and a G2 runner‑up this year.

Form Summary

2nd in the Beaumont (G2) (96 SRF), Win in Any Limit at GP, Win in SA N2X

She’s in peak form.

Workouts

Outstanding CD and KEE works, including a 6f bullet.

Distance / Surface

7f is perfect.

Trip Projection

Forward, sitting just off the leaders.

Assessment

One of the strongest contenders in the field.

12 – Janney

Owner: Royalty Stables • Jockey: Gaffalione T

Record: 4‑1‑1‑1 • Best recent SRF: 93 • Style: Tactical

Overview

Lightly raced filly with steady improvement and a strong G2 showing.

Form Summary

3rd in GP Oaks (G2), Win in GP maiden, 2nd in TP maiden

She has progressed with each start.

Workouts

Fast, consistent works at CD and KEE.

Distance / Surface

7f is a cutback but should suit her tactical style.

Trip Projection

Stalking trip expected.

Assessment

Still improving; could surprise with another step forward.

13 – Real Tactics

Owner: Mb Stables • Jockey: Lopez P

Record: 9‑3‑0‑2 • Best recent Fig: 94 • Style: Stalker

Overview

A strong router with graded success and consistent finishing ability.

Form Summary

4th in Gazelle (G3), 3rd in FG Oaks (G2), 6th in Alexandra (G2), Win in Busanda

She’s proven at 8–9f but now cuts back.

Workouts

Great 6f work at AQU.

Distance / Surface

7f is a question — she’s more of a grinder, but she is proven class.

Trip Projection

Mid‑pack, grinding late.

Assessment

Classy but distance may be too sharp. Minor award chance.

14 – Rock Steady

Owner: Our Athletes • Jockey: Prat F

Record: 7‑2‑0‑1 • Best recent SRF: 94 • Style: Closer / mid‑pack

Overview

A filly with strong juvenile form and graded experience, though winless this year.

Form Summary

5th in Ashland (G1), 6th in Santa Ysabel (G3), 11th in Martha Washington

Her 2yo season was stronger, including a G1 placing.

Workouts

Good works at CD and KEE.

Distance / Surface

7f may help sharpen her late kick.

Trip Projection

Mid‑pack to back, one run late.

Assessment

Needs a rebound but has back‑class. A longshot with upside.   

SUMMARY:

This is a tough race to call, like most will be on this big weekend. The seven furlongs is the key factor today, it seems one of those trips that really needs a specialist and not many of these have a lot of experience at the trip. The ones dropping back in trip will be strong late if not used up early and those stepping up will have the opposite problem. It is hard to settle on any outstanding chances especially as there are plenty of the best chances drawn wide. If I was forced to pick one, it may be Acapulco Bay but she will need some luck from the wide gate.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES